Zonas de tolerancia on the northern Mexican border

Zonas de tolerancia, or zones of tolerance, are quarters of prostitution and adult entertainment in Mexican cities. Along the border with the US, two types of zonas may be identified: district zonas, which are located in or on the margins of traditional tourist areas, and compound zonas, which emerged since 1945 and are located outside the built-up area or in specific sites within the city proper. This study examines the spatial distribution of this element of border-city urban geography, the factors responsible for the origin and persistence of the zonas, and their characteristics as places. -Authors